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Kaczor's return is sweet
By Matt Janda
Published:
Monday, November 4, 2002
Matt Janda -- Staff Essay
The Huskies' offensive line suffered its biggest setback during week four's game against South Dakota State. I was horrified to see junior center Andy Kaczor hobbling off the field and was devastated when word came down that he would probably not return this season due to a torn medial collateral ligament.
It may have gotten its biggest boost during the past week, when Kaczor received clearance to practice and play at his own risk. While senior Roger Mendez proved himself an able backup for the second consecutive season, the line is smarter when Kaczor, the son of local Tech High School football coach Ron Kaczor, is in the game.
"He's definitely a very good player. He adds to our line really well," said sophomore left guard Cory McLouden. "He's undoubtedly one of the best centers in the conference. He knows his stuff inside and out, so it was definitely a bit of a boost from that standpoint."
While it would have been easy for Kaczor to become a recluse during his injury, he didn't. When asked what kind of encouragement the line gave during his recovery, sophomore right guard Jim McCarville offered this:
"Actually, he was the one giving us encouragement. He never really left the program," McCarville said. "When he can't play, he becomes even more of a coach. I'd almost hate to play his position, because when he's hurt, he makes sure you know (what you're doing). He goes over and over every point."
All of Kaczor's points were well-received this week. The Huskies piled on the yardage, gaining 686 total yards, a school record, including 317 rushing yards. Most of them came on the sturdy legs of redshirt freshman Matt Birkel, who has given a face to the Huskies' running attack. He helped the line set the tone for their best day.
"I felt like we did a pretty good job from the start controlling the line of scrimmage," Kaczor said. "The opening kick hurt us, but even on that first possession, we were able to drive down and get a score. From the beginning, our guys up front really battled hard and people were blocking downfield. That's what makes it work, when you've got 11 guys."
The game was decided well before the Huskies pulled their starters halfway through the fourth quarter, but they consider it a source of pride in finishing games whenever they can.
"We like not to leave it in the defense's hands. That's when you can lose games," McCarville said. "Our defense has pulled out many games for us, but whenever possible, we like to put (our opponents) away. I didn't feel that comfortable until we got four touchdowns ahead."
It's been said that the Huskies have the best line in the NCC, at least this year. From their most recent performance, it's a difficult point to argue, but it's something that won't be discussed by this group.
"I think we're very fortunate to have quite a bit of experience up front, that certainly helps us," Kaczor said. "This is a great group of guys, but as far as who's better, we are taking the approach of going out every week, we'll work hard every week and come Saturday, we'll try to do our thing."
The line also didn't give up a sack Saturday, something that usually leads to a big passing day. Junior quarterback Keith Heckendorf was able to pass for a career-best 369 yards and only had to run the ball twice, once on a quarterback sneak. It was the kind of performance that leads to rewards beyond victory.
"Heckendorf usually buys us a candy bar if we win," McLouden said, grinning.
"King size if the sacks are down," McCarville added.
When it was asked what they get when the number is zero, the guards pondered a minute before responding.
"He's taken care of us when we haven't done such a great job," McCarville said.
"We figure it evens itself out," McLouden said before announcing a possible new strategy. "We've got to start hitting up Birkel, if he keeps getting rushing games like that."
